25 young entrepreneurs showcase their businesses for Human Rights Day

As part of Human Rights Day celebrations, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) in partnership with Community Chest, held the Human Rights Day Youth Business Expo and Family Day in Delft.

MEC Albert Fritz was joined by business people and captains of industry in touring the stands of 25 young newly established entrepreneurs, who had graduated from the Departments intensive Business incubation Programme (BIP).

The 25 youth entrepreneurs are part of a larger group of 61 young people who graduated from the BIP, and who managed to start their own business after graduation.

The BIP specifically targeted poor youth, who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs), from all over the province. These young people were then put through an intensive 20 month programme, which culminated with the BIP course.

The young entrepreneurs have received ongoing business support from the Community Chest, and the exposure to top business personalities saw partnerships and mentorship opportunities develop.

In his address MEC Fritz reiterated that, “young people can only fully enjoy their human rights if they take responsibility for themselves, and pursue opportunities”.

“We as government will play our role, and bring our 50% to the table, but it’s up to young people to come forward and put their 50% on the table. This is how we’ll build a society of freedom, fairness and opportunity”, said MEC Fritz.

The rest of the day was family fun day for the community of Delft, which had entertainment and fun activities. This allowed the graduate youth entrepreneurs an opportunity to trade their services and goods on the day to the public.